Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to enact laws providing for a court to grant a commutation of punishment to certain individuals serving a term of imprisonment.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Jo Jones

Constitutional amendment lets the legislature authorize court-ordered commutations for eligible inmates via future laws; voter approval required to take effect.

Committee report sent to Calendars

#corrections--parole #probation&pardons(i0093) #criminalprocedure--general(i0208) #criminalprocedure--sentencing&punishment(i0205) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661)

Summary of HJR 148 (2025)

A joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to enact laws that would provide for a court to grant a commutation of punishment to certain individuals serving a term of imprisonment. If passed, the amendment would place the question before voters to amend the state constitution.

Purpose and intent

To authorize the legislature to enact laws that create a process by which a court could grant commutations of punishment to certain inmates.

The proposed change would empower a court, under future statutes adopted by the legislature, to commute sentences for qualifying individuals.

As a constitutional amendment, it would require voter approval to take effect.

Key provisions and changes (as drafted)

Constitutional change: Establishes that the legislature may enact laws that authorize a court to grant commutations of punishment for individuals currently serving imprisonment.

Future law framework: The specifics of who qualifies, what standards apply, and how commutations would be implemented would be determined by future legislation enacted under the authority of the amended constitution.

Not a standalone rule: The amendment itself does not create a full commutation program; rather, it enables the legislature to authorize such a program via laws subject to constitutional amendment.

Who would be affected

Individuals currently serving imprisonment could be eligible for commutations if they meet criteria set forth in future legislation enacted under the amendment.

The amendment would affect state clemency/sentencing policy by introducing a court-administered mechanism (as determined by future laws) rather than relying solely on existing executive or other pardon/clemency processes.

Lawmakers and state courts would be tasked with implementing any standards and procedures created under authorized legislation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: February 21, 2025.

Classification: Joint resolution (constitutional amendment proposal).

Referral: Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence (March 19, 2025).

Legislative actions:

Public hearing held: April 22, 2025 (testimony taken, various registrations recorded).
Left pending in committee: April 22, 2025.
Committee action: Reported favorably without amendments (May 12, 2025).
Committee report filed/distributed: May 13, 2025.
Committee report sent to Calendars: May 14, 2025.

Status: Committee report sent to Calendars (advancing to floor consideration or next stage per calendars process).

Notes

As a constitutional amendment, passage requires approval by voters in a statewide election.

The bill does not specify eligibility criteria or procedural details; those would be established by future laws enacted under the amended constitutional framework.

If you’d like, I can compare this proposal to existing clemency or commutation processes in the state, or help map potential policy questions and implementation considerations for stakeholders.